Modern refrigeration units of the LG brand, equipped with a system No Frosthave established themselves as reliable household appliances. However, even high-quality equipment requires maintenance over time, be it replacing a burnt-out heating element, repairing a fan, or troubleshooting a defrost sensor. Self-disassembly allows you to save significant money on calling a technician, but requires accuracy and understanding of the unit’s structure.
Before starting any manipulations, you must clearly understand that you are removing the manufacturer’s warranty obligations. If the equipment is under warranty, it is better to contact an authorized service center. If the warranty period has expired or you are confident in your abilities, then competent preparation and knowledge of the sequence of actions will be the key to success.
Preparation for dismantling and safety precautions
The first and most critical stage is the complete de-energization of the device. Unplug the socket and gain access to the rear of the refrigerator. You will need free space for maneuver, since you often have to move the unit away from the wall.
Prepare the necessary tools in advance. To work with LG mounts most often you need Phillips screwdrivers of different sizes, a flathead screwdriver for prying off the plugs and, possibly, an 8 or 10 mm socket wrench for some compressor models. It would be a good idea to have a water container on hand, as condensation may remain in the system.
⚠️ Attention: It is strictly forbidden to start disassembling if the refrigerator has just been turned off after a long period of operation. Allow the compressor and refrigerant to stand for at least 30 minutes so that the pressure in the system equalizes and the oil flows into the crankcase.
Organize good lighting of the work area. Small parts and wire connectors are difficult to see in dim light, which can lead to damage to the wiring or loss of fasteners. Cover the floor in front of the refrigerator with a soft cloth or cardboard so that fallen parts are not scratched or lost.
Access to the internal components of the freezer
Disassembly usually begins with the freezer compartment, since this is where the evaporator and defrost system are located, which most often fail in models. No Frost. Initially, you need to remove all shelves, vegetable containers and ice trays. This will free up space and allow you to get closer to the screws.
Carefully inspect the interior space. Fastening elements can be hidden under decorative plugs or plastic covers. On some LG models, screws hold the side shelf guides. Carefully pry off the plugs with a flat-head screwdriver, being careful not to damage the plastic, which becomes brittle in the cold.
After removing the visible screws, you need to remove the back panel. It can be secured not only with screws, but also with plastic latches around the perimeter. Work evenly, prying the panel at the edges so as not to break the latches. If the panel cannot be removed, check to see if any hidden screw remains unscrewed at the bottom or top.
Removing the back panel and accessing the evaporator
The back wall of LG refrigerators is often made of polystyrene foam or thin plastic. Its integrity is critical to maintaining temperature conditions. When removing the panel, try to pull it strictly perpendicular to the plane of the wall, avoiding distortions that can lead to cracks.
Under the panel you will see an evaporator - a radiator with aluminum fins, and a fan that circulates cold air. The defrost heating elements are also located here. Be extremely careful: aluminum evaporator tubes are very thin and are easily damaged by mechanical stress. A breakdown of the tube will lead to a freon leak and costly repairs. temperature sensors and defrosting heating elements. Be extremely careful: aluminum evaporator tubes are very thin and are easily damaged by mechanical stress. A broken tube will lead to a freon leak and costly repairs.
☑️ Check before removing the panel
If your goal is to replace the heating element or check the sensor, there is often no need to remove the entire evaporator. It is enough to gain access to it. However, if the evaporator itself needs to be replaced or deep cleaning is required, the lines will have to be disconnected. This requires special equipment for evacuation and charging with refrigerant, so it is better to leave this work to professionals.
Removing the ventilation system and sensors
The fan in the system No Frost is the heart of air circulation. To replace it, you need to disconnect the power connector and unscrew the mounting bolts. Often the fan is mounted on rubber dampers that dampen vibration. When installing a new element, make sure that the dampers are in place, otherwise the noise during operation will increase.
Temperature sensors (thermistors) are usually pressed into special sockets on the evaporator or secured with clips on the air ducts. They are small elements on long wires. When removing the old sensor, do not pull hard on the wire so as not to damage the insulation or solder joint inside the case.
| Component | Location | Mounting | Tool |
|---|---|---|---|
| Back panel | Freezer compartment | Screws + latches | Phillips screwdriver |
| Fan | Behind the back panel | Screws / Rubber bushings | Screwdriver / Pliers |
| Defrost heating element | At the bottom of the evaporator | Clips / Screws | Screwdriver |
| Temperature sensor | Plastic clamp | No tools (by hand) |
When working with electrical components, it is important to remember or photograph the wiring diagram. The connectors may look the same but have different pinouts. An error during assembly can lead to a short circuit or incorrect operation of the electronics.
Disassembling the refrigerator compartment and air ducts
If the malfunction concerns the main compartment, the algorithm is similar. You need to remove the shelves and get to the back wall. In some LG models, air ducts may run inside the doors or along the side walls. They need to be removed carefully by snapping the latches. Door Cooling+ air ducts can run inside the doors or along the side walls. You need to remove them carefully by snapping the latches.
Inside the refrigeration compartment there may also be a defrost sensor (if the system is single) or an additional fan for multi-flow. They are often more difficult to reach due to the dense layout. Use a flashlight to illuminate hard-to-reach places.
Why can’t you heat plastic with a hair dryer?
Using a construction hair dryer to soften plastic during disassembly is dangerous. High temperatures can deform the thin walls of the air ducts, melt the seals or damage the insulation of the wires, which will lead to a fire hazard or a violation of the tightness of the circuit.
When removing plastic air ducts, pay attention to their geometry. Over time, plastic hardens and loses elasticity. If you feel a lot of resistance, you may have missed a mounting screw. The use of force will lead to breakage of the plastic, which will then have to be glued or looked for a donor.
Access to the compressor and lower part
To work with the compressor, start relay or capacitor, you must remove the rear metal cover at the bottom of the refrigerator. It is secured with several bolts around the perimeter. By removing the cover, you will gain access to the motor and pipes.
The capillary tube and filter drier are located here. Filter drier is a copper cylinder that cannot simply be disconnected without losing freon. If your task does not involve recharging the circuit, do not touch the solder joints.
⚠️ Attention: There may be an oily coating on the tubes at the bottom of the refrigerator. This indicates a refrigerant or oil leak. Inhaling freon vapors is harmful to health, so ensure the room is ventilated when working in this area for long periods of time.
Often the problem is the starting relay, which is placed on the contacts of the compressor. It can be removed with a simple downward movement after unfastening the fixing bracket. Before installing a new relay, make sure that its model fully matches the markings of the old one, since the starting current parameters for different LG compressors may differ.
Assembly and leak testing
The assembly process is carried out in the reverse order. The main rule is not to overtighten the screws so as not to strip the threads in plastic cases. All connectors should snap into place with a characteristic click.
Pay special attention to the door seals. During disassembly, if you removed the door or tilted the refrigerator too much, the seal could move. Check its fit all around. If necessary, you can warm it up with a hairdryer (at low temperature) and straighten it.
After complete assembly, do not rush to load the products. Turn on the empty refrigerator and let it run for a few hours. This will allow you to enter operating mode and make sure that there are no extraneous noises, leaks or errors on the display.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it necessary to defrost the refrigerator before disassembling?
Yes, this is a prerequisite. Ice inside the system No Frost can hide fasteners, and if it melts during repairs, water will flood electrical components and the floor. Let the unit stand with the doors open for at least 12-24 hours.
Is it possible to remove the LG refrigerator door for convenience?
Yes, most models allow you to remove the door. To do this, you need to remove the decorative trim from the top hinge, unscrew the bolts and carefully lift the door. However, this requires the help of a second person, since the door is heavy and can drop the refrigerator.
What to do if the plastic latch breaks during disassembly?
Do not panic. Plastic fasteners are a consumable item. They can be replaced with small self-tapping screws with wide heads or use plastic ties, carefully cutting them after tightening. The main thing is to ensure a tight fit of the panel.
How to understand which temperature sensor is faulty?
For accurate diagnostics, you need a multimeter. Sensors are tested for resistance at a certain temperature. A visually faulty sensor may have damaged housing or oxidized contacts, but often it looks intact, so checking with a device is mandatory.